1. The distance of a point from the vertical axis of a graph as measured parallel to the horizontal axis: The abscissa was highlighted in red on the graph.
2. In mathematics, the horizontal coordinate or x-coordinate of a point in a two-dimensional system of Cartesian coordinates: The abscissa is the distance from the vertical axis or y-axis measured along a line parallel to the horizontal axis or x-axis.

In the statistics class, students were asked to explain the abscissa on the graph.

The various abscissas on the chart were highlighted in different colors.

1. The act or process of suddenly cutting something off or a sudden termination: Jim's surgical abscission was neat and the wound was healing very well.

The unexpected abscission of the speeches at the rally were welcomed by the crowd.

2. In botany, the normal separation of flowers, fruit, and leaves from plants or the natural process by which leaves or other parts are shed from a plant: In the fall, people can see the abscissions of the leaves as they fall from the trees and are scattered on the ground.

The abscission zone is a layer of weak, thin-walled cells that form across the base of a plant part where the break eventually occurs.

1. To declare that something is invalid by canceling or recalling it: The publisher decided to rescind his previous decision to stop printing the book and agreed to send out 600 copies to the book store.
2. To end a law, contract, agreement, etc. by officially stating that something is no longer valid: The company decided to rescind its offer of pay raises because of the poor economic situation.

At the recent town hall meeting, Bill Williams asked the town to rescind the tax bill on his factory. The townspeople called out: No! No! We resent that! It's unfair! Unfair!!

1. To remove the validity or authority of something; for example, to state officially that something, such as a law or an agreement, has ended and that it no longer has legal authority: The military base is rescinding its ban against civilians being allowed in the fitness studio on the base.
2. To declare a decision or enactment null and void, or to invalidate an act, a measure, etc. by a later action or a higher authority: The company rescinded its decision to raise wages because of the poor sales results from the year before.
3. Etymology: from Latin rescindere, "to cut off"; from re-, "back" + scindere, "to cut, to split."

1. In law, the cancellation or termination of a contract and the return of the parties to the positions they would have had if the contract had not been made: Rescission may be brought about by a court order or by the mutual consent of the parties who are involved.
2. Etymology: from Latin resciss- from rescindere, "to cancel, to repeal"; from re-, "back" + scindere, "to cut, to split."